SUPREME COURT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18787, 14 February 1923, Page 7

SUPREME COURT

CRIMINAL SESSIONS. AN INTERESTING CASE. ALLEGED THEFT FROM WATER. FRONT.

HARBOUR BOARD EMPLOYEE CHARGED. (Pbb United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, February 13. Considerable interest is being taken in the trial of John Madson, a foreman employed by the Wellington Harbour Board, on charges of stealing goods from the Wellington waterfront to a total value of ±1205 13s 6d. The case was continued at the Supremo Court. Evidence was given by a number of Crown witnesses regarding the goods, which had been imported, and which had later been found to lie missing. Detective Tricklebank described his visit to the

accused's house and (he discoveries made. For the accused it was submitted that although ho was in possession of the goods it was not. a proof of theft. It was also submitted that thefo was a chance of the goods being taken before (ho cases entered the examination sheds. This was much stronger than the chance of them having boon stolen after the cases had been admitted to the shed. Accused denied having stolen the goods. He said lie got them from a man. but ho refused to give a name, though threatened by the judge with contempt of court. The case will be concluded to-morrow.

CHRISTCHURCH. February 15. In the Supreme Court William Henry Smith and William Frazer Harneiss were found guilty of robbery with violence, and were remanded for sentence. Lancelot Wallace wan found guilty of indecent assault on a male and was remanded for sentence. The jury added a recommendation that particulars of the case should be forwarded to the Minister of Justice, with a view to the prisoner, who is mentally defective, receiving medical treatment. Richard Welsh was acquitted on a charge of indecent assault on a. female, the jury recommending that, prisoner should leave the court without a stain on his character. His Honor: “very well. The prisoner is discharged.” Joseph Hogan Byrne was acquitted on a charge of arson.